The Enduring Allure of Jessica Rabbit
credit: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
As a ’90s kid, I must confess that I, too, had a crush on Jessica Rabbit. Since her debut in the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, she has been widely regarded as one of the most iconic sex symbols in animation. And it’s not difficult to see why – after all, she’s not bad; she’s just drawn that way. Despite initial implications that she was unfaithful to her husband, Roger Rabbit, it was later revealed that she was fiercely loyal to him, despite their stark differences in appearance. They may have seemed like an unlikely couple, but she adored how he made her laugh. As Betty Boop put it, he’s one lucky guy.
What Makes Jessica Rabbit So Captivating?
Beyond her stunning looks, Jessica Rabbit is the epitome of a seductress. She exudes calmness, confidence, and fearlessness – all the qualities of a true femme fatale. Her opening scene, in which she performs “Why Don’t You Do Right?” at her nightclub, showcases her vivacity from the get-go. Even the main character, Eddie Valiant, who harbored a strong bias against toons, was powerless in her presence. If you’re looking for a textbook example of a seductress, just watch Jessica Rabbit’s performance of “Why Don’t You Do Right?” – you’ll understand immediately.
Would Jessica Rabbit Be Too Inappropriate for Today’s Animation?
Given Jessica Rabbit’s bubbly nature, one can’t help but wonder if her character would be deemed too risqué for contemporary animation. If Who Framed Roger Rabbit? were made today, would a seductive character like Jessica Rabbit be acceptable? The realistic answer is probably not. The issue wouldn’t necessarily lie in her seductive nature, but rather in the way she’s portrayed in the film. As she herself said, she’s drawn that way. Anyone who has seen the movie will likely recall the infamous scene in which she falls out of a moving car, revealing a lack of undergarments in a blink-and-you-miss-it moment.
credit: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
This brief moment of “nudity” stirred up controversy for the film, but it wasn’t the only contentious aspect. From the deceptively crude Baby Herman to the piano duel between Daffy Duck and Donald Duck, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? is rife with controversy beyond Jessica Rabbit. Nevertheless, an over-sexualized character like her might not pass muster today. The film itself is an older animated classic that, while marketed to a younger audience, is laden with adult themes.
What About a Sequel?
If a sequel were to be made, it’s unlikely that it would downplay any of the elements that made the original film great. However, the possibility of a sequel remains uncertain. Director Robert Zemeckis has openly discussed the potential for a sequel, even following the passing of Bob Hoskins. Yet, he has also acknowledged that Disney may not be interested in pursuing development, given that Jessica Rabbit is far from a typical Disney princess.
credit: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Many recent Disney animated films feature characters that are vastly different from those in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, particularly Jessica Rabbit. When was the last time you saw a seductive femme fatale play a protagonist in a Disney animated film? Probably not since Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, a time when animated movies could get away with more. There’s likely no Disney protagonist that even comes close to her, which only adds to her uniqueness.
A One-of-a-Kind Character
We may never see another animated character quite like Jessica Rabbit, and that’s okay. Whether or not a sequel materializes, we’ll always have the original film. If she were to appear in today’s animation, she might be portrayed as far less bubbly, which would detract from her iconic status. In that case, perhaps we don’t need a sequel to Who Framed Roger Rabbit? after all. What’s clear, however, is that Jessica Rabbit would likely not work in today’s animated films – unless, of course, the hypothetical sequel were to receive a clear PG-13 rating.
What do you think? Would Jessica Rabbit be considered appropriate today? Regardless of your opinion, just remember – it’s all in how she’s drawn.
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